Summary
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Quick Facts: Barbers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | |
---|---|
$29,680 per year
$14.27 per hour |
|
Postsecondary nondegree award | |
None | |
None | |
622,700 | |
19% (Much faster than average) | |
119,800 |
What Barbers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists Do
Barbers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists provide haircutting, hairstyling, and a range of other beauty services.
Work Environment
Barbers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists work mostly in a barbershop or salon. Physical stamina is important, because they are on their feet for most of their shift. Many work full time, but part-time positions are also common.
How to Become a Barber, Hairstylist, or Cosmetologist
All states require barbers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists to be licensed. To qualify for a license, candidates are required to graduate from a state-approved barber or cosmetology program and then pass a state exam for licensure.
Pay
The median hourly wage for barbers was $14.41 in May 2021.
The median hourly wage for hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists was $14.26 in May 2021.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of barbers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists is projected to grow 19 percent from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations.
About 85,300 openings for barbers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for barbers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of barbers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about barbers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.